craigs

are there any differences between the 2004 vq35de for g35 and the 350z?

i have a vq35de from a 2004 g35 that i would like to put into my 2004 350z.
anything i should be aware of?
thanks,
-craig

813_350Z

IIRC, the only difference is the badging. In other words, nothing that will affect you swapping the engine.

I thought I read somewhere that the ECU from the Z was tuned slightly differently than that of the G ECU, making the Z a BIT more aggressive. I'm sure someone else will step in and confirm or deny.

craigs

I bought the engine for just the heads...but i have been told it's easier to change the entire engine than just the heads. Does this make sense? I am used to working on american muscle car engines (for which head changes are easy). This is my first japanese engine.

I'm using all the electrics from my 350z, just changing the engine(or heads) itself....keeping my injectors, coils, throttle body, sensors, etc.

Thanks for the reply!!!

813_350Z

Yes and no.

The engine bay of the 350z is far more confined than that of most American muscle cars. So it comes down to your way of looking at it. Do you:

Pull the whole engine and just swap the other one in, or, pull the heads and replace them while still confined to the close quarters of the bay.

Personally, I'd just pull the engine and replace it with the new one. I can assume you have a moderate level of mechanical knowledge, right? Disconnect your driveshaft, exhaust, and all other connections and pull it out. It won't be much more difficult than most other pulls.

Ultimately, it just comes down to which you see is easier.

What is wrong with the current engine?

craigs

i have the notorious lifter tick. used the stethoscope to narrow it down. i have replaced the fuel dampers, checked for loose spark plugs, pulled the timing chain inspection cover and guide is in place (no rattle).

tick keeps in time with rpm.......i have not actually pulled the valve covers to check clearances yet. it's not rod knock, engine has 115,000 on it i got another engine with around 90,000 for less than the price of an intake so i figure for that price i could just steal the heads from it and be ahead. and yes i have enough skill to do either job needed.

thanks

jhc

If I were doing either process I'd at least price out the timing chain assembly and water pump. There's never a good time for those to crap out.
02

813_350Z

I second this. Might as well since you will have it apart already